Capital C traditionally hosts holiday parties that go all-out channeling an over-the-top theme—there was the fairy-tale-inspired event one year, and a Far East-style bash the next. But this year, the company had its own holiday of sorts: 2013 marks Capital C's 20th anniversary. To celebrate the milestone, the holiday event was replaced with a 1920s-themed anniversary party at the company's Toronto headquarters February 28.
With the tagline "Capital C: Still Roaring After 20," the event channeled the legendary decade in a style that was "part gangster, part ritz, part speakeasy, part taxi-dance hall," said the company's creative director of events, Mary Pallattella. Here's a look at 10 fresh ideas from the historically rooted, heavily detailed bash.
One space channeled a taxi-dance hall, which was a type of nightclub that had "dime-a-dance" entertainers in the 1920s. Guests of the era could pay 10 cents to dance with a girl for 90 seconds, so Pallattella hired models to wear period costumes and dance with employees. The dance hall also had big, black-and-white photos of women from the 1920s.
Photo: Donovan Bond
Mary Pallattella, Capital C's creative director of events, said the event "came to life" based on an image that she found of an alluring alleyway. The alley image inspired the save-the-date and the video invite; it also inspired the setup at the entrance to the event. Guarded by a gangster character (more on him later), the entryway had a graffiti sign that read "No Killjoys." There was also an illuminated image of 1920s icon Louise Brooks.
Photo: Donovan Bond
![Milan Sukunda, associate creative director at Capital C, always plays a character at the company's parties; this year, he was an ornery gangster who greeted guests at the door. If they forgot the event's password, Sukunda made them say: 'Milan is awesome. He is so much smarter than [Capital C C.E.O.] Tony [Chapman].'](https://img.bizbash.com/files/base/bizbash/bzb/image/2013/03/487491_10151557599405856_1908749794_n.png?auto=format%2Ccompress&q=70&w=400)
Milan Sukunda, associate creative director at Capital C, always plays a character at the company's parties; this year, he was an ornery gangster who greeted guests at the door. If they forgot the event's password, Sukunda made them say: "Milan is awesome. He is so much smarter than [Capital C C.E.O.] Tony [Chapman]."
Photo: Donovan Bond
A ritzy area called the Moon Lounge had layers of glowing, reflective elements. Mylar balloons on mirrors reflected light, which bounced off sequins on glittering linens. Playing off the company's logo, the area also had a big mirrored "C" in which guests could sit. Capital C designed the event, and Devan handled decor.
Photo: Donovan Bond
In the Moon Lounge, noted Toronto jazz singer Errol Fisher performed with his band. Channeling glitzy lounges of the 1920s, seashells and drapes spruced up the stage.
Photo: Donovan Bond
In the lounge area, café tables with sequined linens were topped with globes and rings of baby's breath. At the tables, guests sat to have snacks prepared by chef Domenic Chiaromonte of C2 Catering Couture. The menu included pulled-pork "cigars," "moneybag" ravioli, and "moonshine chowder."
Photo: Donovan Bond
To the right of the glitzy lounge, a gangster-themed area area had a lineup of famous gangsters including Al Capone. There were outlined feet on the floor that guest could stand on to be photographed as part of lineup.
Photo: Donovan Bond
Near the lineup, Chicago-style pizza was served on a table that had a faux cement top with shoe tips sticking out of it. The "encased body" was another cheeky nod to the gangster lifestyle.
Photo: Donovan Bond
In another area, the team recreated Al Capone's Philadelphia jail cell. Prison bars and ghostly images of the notorious gangster were projected onto the windows. There was also a voice in the background that was meant to sound like the spirit of Capone haunting the cell; a corner toilet was the final, jail-cell-inspired touch. Apex Sound and Light handled audiovisual production.
Photo: Donovan Bond
There was, of course, a speakeasy area. It doled out drinks called "Chappy's Hooch," named for company C.E.O. Tony Chapman. At the entrance to the space, a hostess held a violin case filled with shots. Inside, LED lights filled whiskey bottles, and beer was served in old gasoline cans.
Photo: Donovan Bond
